MissionA professional human resources department committed to attracting, retaining and developing a diverse and competent workforce that enables City agencies to achieve their business needs.

Office of Commissioner
Yvonne Cowser Yancy, SPHR, Commissioner

The Office of the Commissioner strives to ensure that Atlanta’s citizens have a competent and productive workforce, committed to the delivery of quality service. This office directs the development of short- and long-term strategies to support the business needs operating departments, the establishment of budget priorities to accomplish HR initiatives, and the maintenance of the Dashboard measurement system to assess progress. It fosters the delivery of best-practice human resource services and provides leadership and guidance to DHR employees, City agencies and City employee groups. In essence, the department functions as advisor, change agent and strategic partner and communicates HR policies and related issues to City Council and Cabinet members. The goal is to make City government an employer of choice, with a workforce of employees dedicated to excellence, integrity, teamwork and improved customer service.

Operations
Jeff Piper, Deputy Commissioner

Policy & Planning

Policy and Planning coordinates the research, design and development of all HR-related initiatives that enable other departments to effectively manage their human capital. Through standardized policies and procedures, this office promotes consistency across a variety of employment issues, which contributes to quality customer relations and employee satisfaction. Policy and Planning leads the department’s efforts in the analysis and review of policy issues. It also serves as a catalyst for the development of innovative ideas to enhance existing HR policies and keep pace with organizational changes by developing new policies and procedures.

The Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Records Management division is primarily responsible for the management and maintenance of all City of Atlanta employee Human Resources data. HRIS responsibilities include managing any and all personnel changes within the Oracle system, the production of reports that analyze employee personnel data, and processing all turn around documents (TADs), new position creations and position updates. This DHR division is also responsible for maintaining an accurate account of the authorized workforce level. Through detailed data and systems maintenance, the HRIS’s services are critical elements in providing accurate information to both internal and external customers.

Labor Relations
Lydia Jamison, Labor & Employee Relations Director

Labor Relations works to elevate employee consciousness and appreciation for the differences and similarities that employees bring to the work environment. As an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination, City policy prohibits any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or veteran status. The goal is to ensure that the City’s equal opportunity policy is applied in all areas of human resource management. This office promotes a productive work environment by addressing real and perceived employee issues. It also annually conducts training sessions on sexual harassment, progressive discipline and the Fair Labor Standards Act for new employees and City departments. Such efforts facilitate federal non-discrimination compliance and help to attract non-traditional work.

This division’s primary goal is to provide and maintain efficient and courteous customer relations in the administration, management and maintenance of the City’s insurance benefit programs. It is responsible for serving as the primary resource for health, dental, vision, life and supplemental insurance benefits offered to both active and retired employees. Charged with the overall management of the City's Health and Wellness Initiatives, the division operates an Employee Wellness Center, which includes a state-of-the-art fitness facility and an Employee Health Center. The Health and Wellness Initiatives provide services to retirees as well as active employees and their families. The division also sponsors health fairs, vision screenings, blood drives and monthly lunch and learn series that feature speakers who address a wide variety of health topics and complimentary nutritional lunches.

Pension Services
Ray Adams, Pension Manager

City of Atlanta pension benefits are available under two distinct plans, Defined Benefits and Defined Contribution. The Department of Human Resources’ Pension Division is the liaison between employees/retirees, and the third party pension administrators responsible for managing these plans. Though pension calculations and related transactions are performed offsite, employees and retirees may speak directly to onsite Pension Division representatives. These representatives are versed in the complexities associated with each plan and can provide clarity in matters of concern.

The Organizational and Employee Development Unit is responsible for performance management, executive coaching, career development, soft skill training, management and supervisory development, team building, organizational research, customer service enhancements, computer software instruction, New Employee Orientation, Rising Stars Leadership Development Program, Employee Book Club and basic skills enhancement. The Unit's specific activities are determined by requests from 15 different departments and also by critical citywide initiatives such as performance management and customer service. Daily tasks include researching, planning, designing, coordinating, and evaluating development programs. The Unit also provides performance consulting to department leaders in an effort to achieve department and City goals.

Psychological Services
Dr. Adrienne Bradford, Chief Psychologist

The primary focus of Psychological Services is to assist employees and their families in solving a variety of personal and workplace issues such as domestic conflict, substance abuse, stress and traumas. Any employee or supervisor requesting assistance will receive prompt, confidential counseling from licensed mental health professionals. The services of the office are multi-faceted. It provides a unique service to the City by partnering with public safety in addressing critical incidents, including hostage calls, major traumas and deaths. Clinicians are also responsible for coordinating the fitness for duty examination process, assessing violence in the workplace referrals, conducting public safety training and facilitating random drug/alcohol testing for employees with commercial driver’s licenses.